Astronomy Photographer of the Year - Skyscapes Category
£1,500 Cash Prize
The world's largest astrophotography competition, inviting photographers of all skill levels to submit breathtaking images of the cosmos for a chance to win cash prizes and gain global recognition.
Mode
Online
Fee
£10
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Submissions are open from January to March.
Time needed
Depends on the time taken to make the entry
Eligibility
The adult competition is open to photographers aged 16 and over from anywhere in the world. It welcomes both amateur and professional photographers.
- Age range
- 16 to 24 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- No specific academic requirements. Open to all photographers, including amateurs and professionals.
- Prerequisites
- Access to a digital camera with manual settings.
- Basic knowledge of photography fundamentals (aperture, shutter speed, ISO).
- Familiarity with image editing software is recommended for post-processing.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
£1,500
The overall winner receives a grand prize of £10,000. Category winners receive £1,500, runners-up get £500, and highly commended entries receive £250.
Prizes
Magazine Subscription
All winners will receive a one-year subscription to BBC Sky at Night Magazine.
Recognition
International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 5 Jan 2026
- Registration closed
- 2 Mar 2026
- Competition
- 5 Jan 2026 to 2 Mar 2026
How to apply
- 1Register and submit up to ten images via the official competition website.
- 2Pay the one-time entry fee for the adult competition.
Rules and guidelines
- The competition is open to anyone aged 16 or over.
- Entrants may submit up to ten images in total across all categories.
- Photographs must feature landscapes, seascapes, or cityscapes with the night or twilight sky as a prominent feature.
- A non-refundable entry fee is required for the adult competition.
Technology requirements
- A digital camera and lens suitable for astrophotography.
- A computer with internet access for submission.
- Image processing software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, PixInsight).
Fees and financial support
Fee details
A one-off, non-refundable entry fee of £10 is required for each entrant in the Adult competition, which allows for the submission of up to 10 images.
Refund policy
The entry fee is non-refundable.
About this opportunity
The Astronomy Photographer of the Year Skyscapes Category competition is the largest of its kind globally, celebrating the most spectacular images of our cosmos. It provides a prestigious platform for photographers to showcase their work, from stunning skyscapes and aurorae to incredible images of distant galaxies and nebulae.
This international competition is open to photographers from all over the world, aged 16 and over, for the adult categories. Winning and shortlisted images are showcased in a special exhibition at the National Maritime Museum in London, offering immense exposure and a significant boost to a photographer's career.
Rounds and format
Single round submission.
How entries are judged
Images are judged on their technical skill, artistic merit, and originality. The judging panel consists of experts from the worlds of art, astronomy, and photography.
Selection process
A panel of judges selects a winner, runner-up, and highly commended entry for each category. The overall winner is then chosen from the pool of category winners.
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
Photographs of landscapes, seascapes and cityscapes in which the night sky or twilight sky is a prominent feature. Star trails and images of noctilucent and nacreous clouds, halos, meteors and other upper atmospheric phenomena may also be entered into this category.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key elements judges look for in a winning Skyscapes entry?
Judges seek a compelling blend of technical proficiency, artistic composition, and originality. The ability to capture the beauty of the night sky within a terrestrial landscape, along with clear detail and a unique perspective, significantly enhances an entry's appeal.
How can participants manage the competitive pressure of a global astrophotography contest?
Participants can focus on personal growth and the joy of astrophotography rather than solely on winning. Engaging with the community, learning from others' work, and celebrating the opportunity to share one's passion can help mitigate competitive stress.
Are there common preparation mistakes that entrants should avoid when submitting images?
Common mistakes include not thoroughly reading the rules, submitting low-resolution images, neglecting proper post-processing, or failing to provide accurate metadata. Ensuring images meet technical specifications and category relevance is crucial for a strong submission.
What strategies can improve a photographer's chances of success in the Skyscapes category?
Success strategies include scouting dark-sky locations, planning shots around celestial events, mastering long-exposure techniques, and utilizing image stacking or blending for optimal detail. Creative composition and storytelling through the image are also highly valued.
How important is post-processing in astrophotography, and what are the acceptable limits?
Post-processing is vital for enhancing details and bringing out the full potential of astrophotography images. Acceptable limits generally involve enhancing clarity and detail without altering the authenticity of the astronomical subject or introducing artificial elements.
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